We Rank Kanto’s 15 Top Tours

Kanto offers a surprising variety of tours that go beyond the usual sightseeing. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural immersions, or relaxing hot springs, this region has a lot to offer. We’re particularly fond of the Akagi Great countryside e-bike tour because it combines scenic cycling with engaging local storytelling, and the Hot Spring Town Walking Tour in Shima Onsen for its nostalgic atmosphere and authentic bathhouse visits. These experiences give you a taste of rural Japan and its cherished traditions, away from the crowded city centers.

Kanto’s tours stand out for their focus on authentic local culture, outdoor exploration, and historical insights. From mountain climbs and sake tastings to spiritual experiences and historical walks, each tour offers a unique way to explore this diverse region. Whether you’re after a 6-hour e-bike trip or a quick 90-minute pottery class, the options in Kanto are both practical and memorable.

Quick Overview

The list below showcases a range of outdoor adventures, cultural tours, and relaxing experiences. Highlights include an e-bike countryside ride at the foot of Mt. Akagi, a hot spring town walk that feels like stepping back into the Showa era, and mountain climbing on electric bikes with stunning views. For a deep dive into Japanese spirituality, there’s a Mikkyo Buddhism experience, while food lovers can learn about sake brewing in Gunma. For those traveling with family or seeking a quick cultural fix, options like Kanji painting and traditional temple tours are also available. Explore all the experiences to find your ideal adventure.

1. Akagi Great countryside e-bike tour

Starting at Maebashi Station, this 6-hour e-bike tour whisks you through the scenic towns at the base of Mt. Akagi. Your guide will share stories about local culture and history while you pedal past rice paddies and traditional sites. The tour includes stops at Santai Shrine, famous for housing the god of safe childbirth, and Omuro Park, where ancient tombs from the 5th-6th centuries await exploration.

What sets this aside is the blend of rural scenery, local cuisine, and cultural insights. The trip is accessible thanks to the e-bikes, making hills easier to conquer without sacrificing the sense of achievement. Reviews highlight the friendly guide and the immersive experience. One traveler noted, “The local stories made the scenery come alive,” which captures the tour’s essence.

Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs, culture seekers, and outdoor lovers looking for an active way to experience rural Japan.

2. Hot Spring Town Walking Tour in Shima Onsen

For a 3-hour stroll, this tour takes you through Shima Onsen, a town that seems frozen in time with its retro vibe from the 1950s and 60s. Your guide, who has lived here for over 40 years, will reveal the secrets of the town’s hot spring management and introduce you to old roads rarely seen by travelers.

Highlights include visiting the Sekizenkan Kashoutei, believed to be the oldest inn in Japan and the model for Ghibli’s “Spirited Away,” and enjoying local sweets at Kashiwaya Café. The town’s nostalgic atmosphere and friendly locals make this a charming escape. Reviewers mention the guide’s depth of knowledge and the chance to meet wild animals, adding a layer of spontaneity.

Bottom Line: A great pick for history and culture enthusiasts, especially those interested in traditional hot spring culture and vintage Japan.

3. Takasaki Bar-Hopping Tour with Rooftop Bath Hotel Stay

Just under four hours, this night tour explores Takasaki’s Yanagawa district, famous for its lively izakayas and cozy bars. Led by locals, you’ll meet legendary bar owners, sample authentic Japanese food and drinks, and soak in the vibrant nightlife. The tour concludes with a stay at the Hotel Grandview Takasaki, renowned for its rooftop hot springs, sauna, and stone spa, ranked No.1 in Gunma four years straight.

This experience is ideal for those wanting an evening of authentic local nightlife combined with a touch of indulgence. The all-inclusive price offers great value, especially with the luxurious hotel amenities included. The tour’s intimate setting ensures plenty of chances to chat with locals and learn about the area’s drinking culture.

Bottom Line: Perfect for nightlife lovers and travelers seeking both fun and relaxation in a single evening.

4. Mikkyo Buddhism Spiritual Experience Nearby Tokyo

This 2.5-hour experience gives you a rare chance to try Mikkyo Buddhist practices under the guidance of the Head Priest. Located near Tokyo, the tour includes seated meditation, breathing exercises, and a Goma fire ritual—something most Japanese have never experienced firsthand.

Participants rave about the personal attention and profound atmosphere, with one reviewer saying, “An unforgettable memory of Japan’s spiritual side.” Because the experience is so unique, it appeals to those interested in spirituality, meditation, or cultural traditions that go beyond the usual temple visits.

Bottom Line: Best suited for curious travelers eager for a meaningful, hands-on spiritual encounter.

5. Akagi mountain E-Bike Hill Climbing Tour

Starting from Maebashi, this 5-hour guided e-bike climb challenges you to reach the summit of Mt. Akagi. Covering 22 km (13 miles) with an elevation gain of 1313 m (4300 ft), the climb is demanding on a normal bike but manageable with the electric assist.

The tour includes a lunch break at a mountain restaurant, and the guide will cheer you on, making it suitable for those with a decent fitness level. The reviews mention the thrill of conquering the mountain and the rewarding views at the top. The e-bikes make the ascent accessible, offering a real sense of achievement.

Bottom Line: For active travelers wanting a challenging yet rewarding mountain experience, this is ideal.

6. Experience Painting Tasteful Japanese Kanji in Tokyo

Located conveniently with views of the Tokyo Sky Tree, this 1.5-hour workshop invites you to learn brush calligraphy. You’ll practice drawing kanji, hiragana, or katakana samples, guided by experienced instructors.

It’s a simple, relaxing activity that offers a deep connection to Japanese writing traditions. No reviews are available yet, but the session’s intimate size and focus on creative expression make it suitable for art lovers and those curious about Japan’s written language.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a tactile, artistic souvenir of their Japan trip.

7. Explore the Akagane Road’s Omama juku in Midori City Gunma Pref

This 2-hour tour showcases Omama, a former post town along the Akagane Highway. You’ll explore historic Takatsudo Gorge, a spot bursting with seasonal beauty, and visit Omama Shrine, a guardian shrine with a storied past.

Walking through this town offers a glimpse into old Japan, with preserved architecture and cultural treasures like the Nagame Entertainment Hall. Although no reviews are available, the focus on nature, history, and local craftsmanship makes this ideal for history buffs and nature lovers.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who enjoy a quiet walk and want to learn about traditional post towns.

8. Walking Tour at Akagane Roads in Midori City

This 1.5-hour walk retraces the route of copper transport from the Ashio Copper Mine to Edo. Starting at Sori Station, the tour visits the cobbled old road, historic Daitakuji Temple, and the wooden Yakushi-nyorai statue.

It’s a focused walk that emphasizes local history and traditional architecture. While there are no reviews, the tour offers a tangible connection to Japan’s industrial past and is suited for history enthusiasts and those interested in cultural preservation.

Bottom Line: Great for small groups wanting a quick, meaningful history walk.

9. Kusatsu Resorts to Tokyo Haneda Airport HND Departure Transfer

This private transfer service is your hassle-free way to go from Kusatsu Thermal Resorts to Tokyo Haneda Airport. It’s a door-to-door service with professional drivers who track your flight to ensure timely arrival, making it perfect for travelers with tight schedules or lots of luggage.

While not a sightseeing tour, the convenience and comfort of this service make it worth considering, especially as your trip winds down. The fixed price covers all hidden charges and ensures a smooth end to your journey.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers needing a reliable, stress-free transfer to the airport.

10. Learn Sake Brewing in Makino Shuzo, Gunma’s Oldest Brewery

This 1.5-hour tour offers a rare chance to visit Gunma’s oldest sake brewery, which usually doesn’t offer tours. You’ll learn about the Osakazuki brand and brewing techniques from the master brewer himself, then taste exclusive sake not sold anywhere else.

Guests praise the personalized experience and the chance to try rare sake varieties. This is a perfect stop for foodies and culinary adventurers eager to understand Japan’s sake culture and taste something truly unique.

Bottom Line: A must for sake lovers seeking an authentic, behind-the-scenes experience.

11. 3 Hours Vegetables Harvest Activity Nearby Tokyo

In Jumonji Village, you can harvest vegetables cultivated in volcanic soil. This 3-hour activity involves hands-on vegetable picking, followed by tasting and cooking local produce. It’s an engaging way to connect with agricultural traditions and enjoy fresh food.

While no reviews are available, it’s ideal for families or culinary enthusiasts who want an authentic farm experience. The activity emphasizes local food and seasonal produce, making it both fun and educational.

Bottom Line: Great for families or those interested in Japan’s rural food traditions.

12. Private Tour in a Spiritual Hot Spot of Japan for Good Fortune

This 1-hour private tour visits Haruna Shrine, a site with roots dating back to the 6th century. The guide will introduce you to worship practices and tell stories behind the shrine’s significance.

Perfect for spiritual explorers, the tour offers an intimate experience of Japanese Shinto traditions. The guided approach makes it accessible for all levels, and the lush natural surroundings enhance the experience.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in Shinto rituals and local spiritual practices.

13. Oguri Kozukenosuke and Tonzen-ji Temple Historical Guided Tour

This 2-hour tour takes you through Tozenji Temple, the family temple of Oguri Kozukenosuke, a pivotal figure in Japan’s modernization. The Head Priest will share rare artifacts and stories about his contributions to 19th-century Japan.

It’s a compact but enriching experience for history buffs interested in modernizing figures of Japan. The tour’s focus on rare artifacts and personal stories makes it a distinctive cultural outing.

Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers wanting to learn about Japan’s rapid modernization.

14. Birth of Takasaki’s White Robed Kannon Statue Guided Tour

Centered on Takasaki Kannon, this 1.5-hour tour explores the story of the Kannon statue’s creation and its significance. Inside the hollow statue, visitors can see rare paintings and smaller statues, with panoramic views of the city.

It offers a deep cultural and spiritual perspective, blending local legends with art. The tour is especially good for those interested in religious art and Takasaki’s cultural history.

Bottom Line: Suitable for art and history enthusiasts with an interest in Japanese religious iconography.

15. Private Haruna Volcano Guided Tour

This 1-hour private tour offers a relaxed exploration of Mount Haruna, one of Gunma’s three great mountains. You’ll walk around Lake Haruna, visit the visitor’s center, and ride the Ropeway up to the summit for spectacular views.

It’s an accessible way to experience volcanic landscapes without strenuous hiking. Reviewers appreciate the informative guide and the peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of mountain scenery with minimal effort.

Bottom Line: Ideal for families or travelers seeking a leisurely mountain experience.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Kanto

When selecting your perfect experience, consider your budget, the time you have available, and your interests. If you’re after an active outdoor day, the Akagi countryside e-bike tour or Mt. Akagi hill climb might be your best bet. For culture, the Sake brewery tour or temple visits offer depth and authenticity. Budget travelers will appreciate the $31.97 hot spring walk, while those seeking luxury might opt for the Takasaki bar-hopping with a hotel stay.

Think about your fitness level—the e-bike tours are accessible to most— and booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons. If you’re into spiritual experiences, the Mikkyo Buddhist session or Haruna Shrine tour will resonate most. For families or groups, activities like vegetable harvesting provide hands-on fun.

In summary, Kanto’s wide array of tours covers everything from mountain climbs and cultural walks to culinary experiences and hot spring escapes. For a balanced mix, try the Akagi Great countryside e-bike tour or the Shima Onsen walk—both offer authentic insights into rural and traditional Japan. If you’re pressed for time but craving a peek into the spiritual or historical, the Mikkyo Buddhism experience or Tozenji Temple tour are excellent choices. Whatever your interests, booking early guarantees you’ll secure your spot in these memorable experiences.